He said: "Over the last 18 months he's raised the profile of Staffordshire itself in London.

"This year when we met Prince Harry at the field of remembrance, he remembered him and made a b-line for him.

"When he actually got to him, he asked me if it was the same dog, I said it was and that's when he put his hand out and said hello."

Watchmen's role is steeped in tradition and the bull terrier mascot has been representing the serving men and women of Staffordshire for more than 130 years.

CSgt Watchman V has recently been involved in First World War commemorations and was also crowned winner of the public vote in the Westminster Dog of the Year competition, a statue was even commissioned in his honour.